confidence coaching – Bernie Egerton Coaching

Here’s Proof Why it’s Never too Late to Learn New Skills.

How are you when it comes to learning new skills? Do you love it, or feel you’re past it?

Prior to my birthday a few years ago: my husband asked what I wanted as a gift. I’ve never been the materialistic type – but I’ve always been a sucker for learning new skills.
I asked for a beginners book on sketching and all the trimmings that went along with it. I was no spring chicken at the time either ( I was at that bloody age where the health checks were flying through the door *weeps*)

Anyway. I was always under the impression that I was crap at drawing. Why? To be honest, I never really tried – and if drawing ever came up in conversations: “I can’t draw” was my automatic response.
How could I say that when I hadn’t physically sat down and gave it a good shot?

‘Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds can’t change anything‘
-George Bernard Shaw

In this life aren’t we quick to come to our own conclusions when it comes to our abilities? It’s what you call having a fixed mindset.

I thought at this stage in my life that was it. Come on now, a 40 + year old mama sketching for the first time. Who was I trying to be: Banksy?

Sharpening Those Pencils With a Growth Mindset

When I reached 40 I started to drum the quote ‘life begins at 40’ into me. That became my new daily affirmation.

I got my beginners book – and off I went like a happy out little child with her shiny new pencils!

For those first few weeks I practiced for an hour every single night (when my little girls were tucked up in bed) on technique, style, shading, hatching and so on (you’ll know those terms well if you’re into sketching).

I was building my confidence up with these new-found skills. And, my drawings improved over time. Of course I got frustrated – I’m only human and this was a new skill after all.

Patience. Is. Your. Friend.

Nurturing

During Covid I realised I was a creative person, and I started to nurture my creative side – whilst also working on my self-esteem.

What I’m trying to say is – you’re never too old to start something new, and it can be absolutely anything.
It all comes down to your mindset and what you feed yourself mentally. It’s like therapy. If you go in with a mindset that it won’t work: then it sure as hell won’t. However, when you go in with an open mind and give it your all – it’s a great feckin start.

• Have a think about something you always wanted to try
• What is stopping you?
• What is making you feel this way?
• How can you make your self talk kinder?
• What are your values/beliefs?

If you have an urge to try something new. Go for it.
Maybe you want to start a new course. You might want to learn a musical instrument, to swim, drive or to be the next David Bailey! Whatever it is – as long as you give yourself time, then you can do anything.

Fear is always the culprit that stops us from following our hearts. Plus, worrying about what others think is a big one too.

Focus on you.

Sharpen those pencils, and write that next beautiful chapter to your own story. Life’s too bloody short.

Believe in yourself.

Thank you for checking out my article and do comment and share your own story of trying out new skills.

Xmas sketch

Harry Potter sketch from a youtube tutorial by the wonderful theartofbilly

I sat on the floor sketching my living room 2 seater!

Growth Mindset. And, moving forward with those goals when you hit a standstill!

Hello there you!

Do you have a growth or a fixed mindset?

When you have a growth mindset, you’re always looking at ways to improve yourself, your talents and you learn from your mistakes. You’re a sucker for learning new things. But, you’re not being too hard on yourself during the process either.

I used to be extremely hard on myself and if things didn’t go as planned, oh boy would I spend forever overthinking the situation, beating myself up and my confidence would plummet. I believed if I wasn’t good at something, then that was it (fixed mindset).

But now, with a growth mindset I reflect situations, write in my journal (to process) have my own coaching (to gain clarity) take courses (learning) and practice gratitude daily.

I’m constantly learning and brushing up on my skills to become better. Oh don’t get me wrong, there are days where low confidence comes knocking right on my door. Of course it does. I answer it, listen to it, question it – but I don’t spend time dwelling or entertaining those thoughts (not like I used to)

Personal development is huge to me, and part of my daily life. You learn, progress, reflect and grow. Every. Single. Day.

Ask yourself:

What areas need training/improving in my life?
How can I banish those limiting beliefs?
What little acts makes me feel positive?
What are my core values?

Moving forward when you hit a standstill

At times we might reach a standstill with our goals. Therefore we struggle to move forward.

Am I good enough, what’s the point; and why do I not see instant results? Do these questions sound familiar?

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving” – Albert Einstein

Remember, results take time – and don’t give up or lose heart. As the saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and it wasn’t. You’re only human, and it’s really ok to have off days.

Get back on that horse, keep going, push through the pain barrier, and remember why you started in the first place.

Visualize that end result.

Ask yourself:

How can I move forward with my goals?
Why am I losing confidence and doubting myself in the first place?
What action do I need to take?

Keep going and don’t give up!

Life is short. And, the more you spend worrying and doubting your capabilities, the more stressed you become. Avoiding following your true path in life.

Change always starts with you – when you commit and believe.

Keep learning, brush up on your strengths and take your time.

Believe in yourself, work from within and grow. Just like that seed waiting to blossom and flourish. Water it with kindness and watch it grow ❤

What can you do to move forward with your goals?